walkerroo

Hey guys,

I'm looking to go to Brisbane next month for a year while my skilled independent visa is processing in the background.

My question is.. What areas of Brisbane do you suggest? Initially I think a house share around the CBD might be a good move. Kangaroo Point and Spring Hill seem to have lots of house shares on offer but have no idea if these areas are nice.

Also people have suggested that the Gold Coast has a nice city life atmosphere and is of course on the coast, can anyone suggest somewhere for me for my initial year.

Cheers guys

sherie_in_oz

The difference is do you want to live right bang in the centre of a big city or would you prefer the coast with lots going on, the beach life, the clubs and shops, restaurants, the chance to go surfing, casino, theme parks etc.

Purely personal choice, but we love the Gold Coast as its more like being on holiday but the city life maybe more your scene.

Suggest you check them both out when you first arrive, they are only an hour apart and only you know what you are looking for.

Spring hill has very small weatherboard houses and is a quiet very central area, IMO not much happening, or shops etc nearby, i would prefer somewhere with a bit more life such as the west end or new farm if you can afford it but you may like Spring hills proximity to the centre.

walkerroo

The Gold Coast sounds great. I am keen on surfing and of course having a great time after work. After what you've said the Gold Coast sounds ideal but wonder what the job opportunities are like there. For example there don't seem to be as many job listings in this area compared with Brisbane, then again Brisbane is of course a city so I guess you'd expect more jobs to be on offer.

Does the Gold Coast actually have a city within itself?

ABCDiamond

Lots of Cities in the area

Gold Coast City : http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Redland City : http://www.redland.qld.gov.au

Caloundra City : http://www.caloundra.qld.gov.au

None as big as Brisbane of course...

Brisbane City : http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

sherie_in_oz

Yes it can sometimes be tricky getting work on the GC depends what it is you do, some people commute to brissie or they take whatevers going locally and others set up their own business because they want the life of being on the coast.

The Gold coast is considered the 6th largest city in Oz and has approx 500,000 inhabitants so yes it is the size of a city but is quite spread out.
Its an amazing place to live as you feel you're on holiday everyday but finding work can sometimes be a challenge, what kind of work are u looking for?....lots of work in catering and hospitality!
Suggest you look at www.seek.com.au and www.careerone.com.au

chels

Spring Hill is a bit seedy in places, thanks to the strip clubs / girlie bars. Close to the CBD, so very handy if you work round there. Less than 10mins walk to Fortitude Valley for restaurants, bars etc. Doesn't have much of an 'identity' though.

Kangaroo Point - close to river, a few pubs and takeaway outlets, bit of green space, not so convenient for CBD but close to the Gabba, South Brisbane etc which has some decent restaurants.

I'd recommend myself:
1. Fortitude Valley if you want lots of bars, restaurants and lively people on your doorstep. Walking distance to CBD
2. New Farm / Teneriffe - still lots of restaurants etc but not so many down and outs, prostitutes and drunk people. Also by the river and has a lovely park. Walking distance to CBD. I live there. In-laws (when they visited) complained it was too urban and built-up for them but then, they're from a suburban New Town in England.
3. Red Hill - not really a fan but know people who like it there. Walking distance to CBD
4. West End - bit too seedy for me, but will be a great place to live in the future once they've gentrified it a bit more! Lots of bars and restaurants. Highgate Hill is a bit less in your face.
5. Paddington - nice area, quite hilly though
6. Milton - convenient for CBD, by the river, a couple of restaurants etc

Your choice will probably come down to work (or study - not sure what you do) preferences. Easier to get certain types of jobs in the CBD, but more hospitality/tourism jobs on Gold Coast.